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jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
Hi

I have my new S4 SB SS for almost 2 weeks. It came with the SB ML band. I have been wearing the watch and MLband daily.

Do any of you continue to wear the ML band daily?

I don’t see myself changing bands very often. Are there any issues/dangers in wearing the Milanese looo daily?

Thanks
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Dec 13, 2010
1,494
1,274
Denver, CO
I've heard that band specifically can easily scratch the screen if you're not careful. Some people made it sound like if you even let it in the same room as the watch that somehow scratches would magically appear. But it was never clear to me whether that was an issue with the SBSS model. I think most of the stories I heard were for the aluminum watches.
 

Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
Hi

I have my new S4 SB SS for almost 2 weeks. It came with the SB ML band. I have been wearing the watch and MLband daily.

Do any of you continue to wear the ML band daily?

I don’t see myself changing bands very often. Are there any issues/dangers in wearing the Milanese looo daily?

Thanks

I tried the Milanese band and did not like it. Tried the leather loop and have never looked back. I bought a new leather loop to put on my new SBSS AW4 but never put it on as the older one, now three years old, looks just like the new leather loop.
 

jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
I've heard that band specifically can easily scratch the screen if you're not careful. Some people made it sound like if you even let it in the same room as the watch that somehow scratches would magically appear. But it was never clear to me whether that was an issue with the SBSS model. I think most of the stories I heard were for the aluminum watches.

Thanks for your response. I am wondering if anyone wears that band daily. Does it remain comfortable ? Cause skin irritations with daily use?

I am not worrying about scratches. It’s just a watch. Why the incessant preoccupation on here with scratching is beyond me. Most people who buy watches of regular type will assume at some point there will be scratches. Why have different standards regarding scratches for an AW?

If any of my Apple mobile devices get scratched to the point of bother, and if it was not covered by AC Plus, I would simply replace the device.

I am more concerned about adverse skin or health consequences of wearing this type of band daily.

I also consider the AW to be part of disposable technology, needing replacement every 2-3 years.

This may alter my view.
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Dec 13, 2010
1,494
1,274
Denver, CO
Thanks for your response. I am wondering if anyone wears that band daily. Does it remain comfortable ? Cause skin irritations with daily use?

I am not worrying about scratches. It’s just a watch. Why the incessant preoccupation on here with scratching is beyond me. Most people who buy watches of regular type will assume at some point there will be scratches. Why have different standards regarding scratches for an AW?

If any of my Apple mobile devices get scratched to the point of bother, and if it was not covered by AC Plus, I would simply replace the device.

I am more concerned about adverse skin or health consequences of wearing this type of band daily.

I also consider the AW to be part of disposable technology, needing replacement every 2-3 years.

This may alter my view.
I generally agree with you if we're talking about minor scratches that accumulate over several years. But I saw a thread where the guy had severe scratches on the screen after only 2 or 3 days after buying the SB ML band. That one was an aluminum watch though, with the Ion-X screen.

I don't have the ML myself, but I've never heard of anyone complaining about allergies with it. I've seen that with the sport bands, Apple's seems to have far fewer issues with that than those from other companies like FitBit.
 

jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
I tried the Milanese band and did not like it. Tried the leather loop and have never looked back. I bought a new leather loop to put on my new SBSS AW4 but never put it on as the older one, now three years old, looks just like the new leather loop.

I might consider the leather loop. However, I have been known to get skin rash from some leather bands, yet not others. I have no way of knowing in advance if it will pose a problem.
 

Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
I might consider the leather loop. However, I have been known to get skin rash from some leather bands, yet not others. I have no way of knowing in advance if it will pose a problem.

The “leather” used in the Apple Leather Loops has been so “processed”, it is hardly real anymore. Water and oils do not effect it. I have been using the same storm grey band for a couple of years and it looks brand new.

I have tried several other Apple bands And the loop have been my favorite. Hope Apple never discontinues.
 

nepatriot

macrumors member
Dec 30, 2018
58
32
Thanks for your response. I am wondering if anyone wears that band daily. Does it remain comfortable ? Cause skin irritations with daily use?

I am not worrying about scratches. It’s just a watch. Why the incessant preoccupation on here with scratching is beyond me. Most people who buy watches of regular type will assume at some point there will be scratches. Why have different standards regarding scratches for an AW?

If any of my Apple mobile devices get scratched to the point of bother, and if it was not covered by AC Plus, I would simply replace the device.

I am more concerned about adverse skin or health consequences of wearing this type of band daily.

I also consider the AW to be part of disposable technology, needing replacement every 2-3 years.

This may alter my view.

Well... why the preoccupation with rare skin allergies? I can't remember hearing of anyone having allergic reaction or other heath risks from a SS watch bracelet. As you say, this is all disposable tech, so just keep buying straps and bracelets until you find one that doesn't cause a reaction, and discard the rest. Or why not just get tested by your allergy doctor, and find out what causes your unique reactions on your skin?

The answer is of course because it's something that matters to you. And you don't like it when others are dismissive your particular needs and wants because it's not their own, right?

We all have our unique things that we like and don't like. I might not care about scratches and dings on my car, but do on my lightweight composite sea kayak.

On watch forums, which this is not, you will find more people who try to avoid scratches than those who relish in the patina of hard use. Many die hard Doxa owners actually use their watches to dive... in the water vs. desk. Those old salts seem to pride themsleves on who's Doxa looks the most beat up.

Damasko and Sinn watch companies go to great lengths to use unique steels that can stand up to abuse with minimum signs of wear. Why? Because there is a big enough market of people to sell their watches to who consider that to be a key criteria. Rolex markets the 404L SS as being superior to 316 ... for scratch resistance.

I have a son with many allergies, so understand how challenging it can be.

Here's a beauty... borrowed image not mine.
Screen Shot 2019-02-24 at 10.55.30 AM.png

a>
 
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jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
Well... why the preoccupation with rare skin allergies? I can't remember hearing of anyone having allergic reaction or other heath risks from a SS watch bracelet. As you say, this is all disposable tech, so just keep buying straps and bracelets until you find one that doesn't cause a reaction, and discard the rest. Or why not just get tested by your allergy doctor, and find out what causes your unique reactions on your skin?

The answer is of course because it's something that matters to you. And you don't like it when others are dismissive your particular needs and wants because it's not their own, right?

We all have our unique things that we like and don't like. I might not care about scratches and dings on my car, but do on my lightweight composite sea kayak.

On watch forums, which this is not, you will find more people who try to avoid scratches than those who relish in the patina of hard use. Many die hard Doxa owners actually use their watches to dive... in the water vs. desk. Those old salts seem to pride themsleves on who's Doxa looks the most beat up.

Damasko and Sinn watch companies go to great lengths to use unique steels that can stand up to abuse with minimum signs of wear. Why? Because there is a big enough market to sell their watches to who want that. Rolex markets the 404L SS as being superior to 316 ... for scratch resistance.

I have a son with many allergies, so understand how challenging it can be.

Here's a beauty... borrowed image not mine.
View attachment 823360
a>

If only it was so simple as getting tested. Some leather bands produce a rash in the shape of the band, while some do not. Same for plastic bands. Same for silicone bands. Given the variability in manufacturing, processing and materials composition, it becomes hard to pin down.

So far, I have not had a problem with SS.

The problem is that Apple’s SS offerings are limited and I do not want to go the third-party route.

Has anyone used the SB link band and has positive results in terms of long-term durability?

Alternatively when I want a change, has anyone tried the silver SS Milanese Loop with the SB Watch?
 

Ledgem

macrumors 68020
Jan 18, 2008
2,042
936
Hawaii, USA
This is kind of embarrassing, but I have all of Apple's metal bands (space black Milanese loop, space black link bracelet, stainless steel Milanese loop, and stainless steel link bracelet). Actually, now there's a gold-colored Milanese loop, isn't there? I don't have that, so I guess I can't say I own them all anymore :p

I used the space black Milanese loop 99% of the time for a bit over a year, I'd say. No problems with it. I always had the thought to clean it, figuring that there must be dirt that builds up in the patterning, but never did... and I didn't have any issues. I also wear my Apple Watch to sleep, so the band is on my wrist for probably 20-22 hours of each day. No issues, and no scratches. I tend to fold the magnetic part back onto the main band even when not in use, so it's never able to wrap around and touch the screen. Not sure if it scratches the back of the Watch; I've never noticed it, but never went at it with a magnifying glass. And while I've read reports of the magnet becoming less effective over time, I don't have any issues with that, either.

Since you asked about the link bracelet, I only used it on occasion because in warmer climates I found it uncomfortable to wear. It either felt too loose in air conditioned places or too tight in warm, humid conditions; it was impossible for me to find a happy medium. (With the Milanese loop I was able to keep making small adjustments throughout the day, which may sound like a pain but I often did it without thinking about it... and it was always at the perfect level of tightness.) I'm in a cooler place for a few months and have brought out the space black link bracelet and find it much more comfortable to wear, and don't have the issues of feeling that it's too tight or too loose. No issues with wear and tear, whenever I think I see a blemish it comes off if I rub at it a little bit. The space black link bracelet has the same diamond-like coating as the other space black stainless steel accessories, so supposedly it's almost scratch-proof. By comparison, I do have a few small scratches on my stainless steel link bracelet - not enough to be overly noticeable but I can find them without having to look too hard, so the coating is definitely making a difference. The only downside is that the space black link bracelet, perhaps because of the color and shininess, has been mistaken as being plastic by others in certain types of lighting. Having the most expensive band Apple offers mistaken for some cheap plastic thing isn't exactly flatting to Apple :confused: so if you want something that is obviously metal to everyone who sees it, regardless of the lighting, the space black link bracelet may not be the one to choose.

Lastly, no issues with skin irritation with any of them - and I have pretty sensitive skin. But your own skin and body are different, so there's the usual disclaimer attached with that observation.

Addendum: I forgot to address the stainless steel Milanese loop with dark Watch question. I use a grey aluminum Watch, so technically none of these bands match the Watch perfectly... but I have no qualms about using a stainless steel band with my Watch. Yes, the space black ones match a little better, but the band is really the dominating force on your wrist; the Watch is just a sliver to onlookers (and you generally only see the screen of it, so the mismatch shouldn't bother you). I've never had my own senses offended when I see someone using a Watch where the colors or materials of the Watch and band don't match up, either. Nothing wrong with mixing up the colors a bit, and while it sounds like it could be bad, it's really fine.


Addendum 2: I mentioned that my stainless steel link bracelet has some scratches, whereas the space black one does not. While true, there is one advantage over the stainless steel version: you can use those polishing cloths to buff scratches out. It's not an entirely fool-proof process, because the stainless steel has that brushed-metal appearance that can be lost if you polish too much. By comparison, I have yet to hear of anyone successfully polishing a space black link bracelet or Watch... but then again, it seems that scratches are rare enough that perhaps people just haven't really given it a go. All the same, something to consider.
 
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jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
This is kind of embarrassing, but I have all of Apple's metal bands (space black Milanese loop, space black link bracelet, stainless steel Milanese loop, and stainless steel link bracelet). Actually, now there's a gold-colored Milanese loop, isn't there? I don't have that, so I guess I can't say I own them all anymore :p

I used the space black Milanese loop 99% of the time for a bit over a year, I'd say. No problems with it. I always had the thought to clean it, figuring that there must be dirt that builds up in the patterning, but never did... and I didn't have any issues. I also wear my Apple Watch to sleep, so the band is on my wrist for probably 20-22 hours of each day. No issues, and no scratches. I tend to fold the magnetic part back onto the main band even when not in use, so it's never able to wrap around and touch the screen. Not sure if it scratches the back of the Watch; I've never noticed it, but never went at it with a magnifying glass. And while I've read reports of the magnet becoming less effective over time, I don't have any issues with that, either.

Since you asked about the link bracelet, I only used it on occasion because in warmer climates I found it uncomfortable to wear. It either felt too loose in air conditioned places or too tight in warm, humid conditions; it was impossible for me to find a happy medium. (With the Milanese loop I was able to keep making small adjustments throughout the day, which may sound like a pain but I often did it without thinking about it... and it was always at the perfect level of tightness.) I'm in a cooler place for a few months and have brought out the space black link bracelet and find it much more comfortable to wear, and don't have the issues of feeling that it's too tight or too loose. No issues with wear and tear, whenever I think I see a blemish it comes off if I rub at it a little bit. The space black link bracelet has the same diamond-like coating as the other space black stainless steel accessories, so supposedly it's almost scratch-proof. By comparison, I do have a few small scratches on my stainless steel link bracelet - not enough to be overly noticeable but I can find them without having to look too hard, so the coating is definitely making a difference. The only downside is that the space black link bracelet, perhaps because of the color and shininess, has been mistaken as being plastic by others in certain types of lighting. Having the most expensive band Apple offers mistaken for some cheap plastic thing isn't exactly flatting to Apple :confused: so if you want something that is obviously metal to everyone who sees it, regardless of the lighting, the space black link bracelet may not be the one to choose.

Lastly, no issues with skin irritation with any of them - and I have pretty sensitive skin. But your own skin and body are different, so there's the usual disclaimer attached with that observation.

Addendum: I forgot to address the stainless steel Milanese loop with dark Watch question. I use a grey aluminum Watch, so technically none of these bands match the Watch perfectly... but I have no qualms about using a stainless steel band with my Watch. Yes, the space black ones match a little better, but the band is really the dominating force on your wrist; the Watch is just a sliver to onlookers (and you generally only see the screen of it, so the mismatch shouldn't bother you). I've never had my own senses offended when I see someone using a Watch where the colors or materials of the Watch and band don't match up, either. Nothing wrong with mixing up the colors a bit, and while it sounds like it could be bad, it's really fine.


Thanks so much for your great reply.
 

PinkyMacGodess

Suspended
Mar 7, 2007
10,271
6,227
Midwest America.
Thanks for your response. I am wondering if anyone wears that band daily. Does it remain comfortable ? Cause skin irritations with daily use?

I am not worrying about scratches. It’s just a watch. Why the incessant preoccupation on here with scratching is beyond me. Most people who buy watches of regular type will assume at some point there will be scratches. Why have different standards regarding scratches for an AW?

If any of my Apple mobile devices get scratched to the point of bother, and if it was not covered by AC Plus, I would simply replace the device.

I am more concerned about adverse skin or health consequences of wearing this type of band daily.

I also consider the AW to be part of disposable technology, needing replacement every 2-3 years.

This may alter my view.

I had two watches with the Milanese Loop band, and hate them. They constantly pull the hairs on my wrist. They must be just that size and got caught all the time, many times, far more than one hair at a time too. I'm probably going to ebay them soon, one silver, one black. First was my mistake, and second was a gift. I was disappointed too.
 

Ledgem

macrumors 68020
Jan 18, 2008
2,042
936
Hawaii, USA
I had two watches with the Milanese Loop band, and hate them. They constantly pull the hairs on my wrist. They must be just that size and got caught all the time, many times, far more than one hair at a time too. I'm probably going to ebay them soon, one silver, one black. First was my mistake, and second was a gift. I was disappointed too.
Sorry to hear they were causing problems. Are they genuine Apple Milanese loops, or third-party? I have fairly hairy arms, and originally bought a genuine Apple stainless steel band, and then a third-party black band. It wasn't horrible, but the third-party band - which has a slightly different weave pattern and link thickness than the Apple band - occasionally caught my hairs. I haven't noticed that issue with the genuine Apple Milanese loops (either stainless steel or space black).

Of note, when the Apple Watch first came out and I went to a story to check them out, the link bracelet caught my arm hairs... but now I have my own link bracelet, and aside from doing a little sweep to make sure nothing is caught when I first put it on, I haven't noticed my arm hairs getting caught. Which is interesting, because many years ago a family member bought a fancy watch for me but I couldn't stand it because it caught my arm hairs left and right. Maybe it's a matter of proper sizing, or maybe it's just the band type.
 

jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
Personally love the ML.

Been wearing it mostly for the past 2 years and now put it straight on my AW4.

I purchased my SB SS with the SB Milanese Loop. Been wearing the band for almost 4 weeks. This is my first Apple Watch. It is insanely easy to take the watch on and off at night, which has often been an issue with other watch and band combinations. Also, I am prone to wrist rash from many leather and synthetic bands. So far, this band has proven to be problem free in that regard. I like that it is super easy to adjust the band to your wrist and an not bothered by having to change adjustment during the day. On occasion, it dies pull at my wrist hairs. No big deal.
 

PinkyMacGodess

Suspended
Mar 7, 2007
10,271
6,227
Midwest America.
Sorry to hear they were causing problems. Are they genuine Apple Milanese loops, or third-party? I have fairly hairy arms, and originally bought a genuine Apple stainless steel band, and then a third-party black band. It wasn't horrible, but the third-party band - which has a slightly different weave pattern and link thickness than the Apple band - occasionally caught my hairs. I haven't noticed that issue with the genuine Apple Milanese loops (either stainless steel or space black).

Of note, when the Apple Watch first came out and I went to a story to check them out, the link bracelet caught my arm hairs... but now I have my own link bracelet, and aside from doing a little sweep to make sure nothing is caught when I first put it on, I haven't noticed my arm hairs getting caught. Which is interesting, because many years ago a family member bought a fancy watch for me but I couldn't stand it because it caught my arm hairs left and right. Maybe it's a matter of proper sizing, or maybe it's just the band type.

Yes, both are genuine. I must have finer hair, longer hair, or more hair, or something. I was disappointed. They both look very nice. In the dark ages, the Timex bands nearly always yanked hair too. I'm just lucky I guess...
 

BSG75

macrumors 6502
Jul 21, 2015
356
242
Tennessee
The ML is a great band and one of my favorites. My wife wears her SBSS ML every day and rarely changes it out. I've only seen her put on the sport band when we go to the beach. She loves her ML.
 

jaybar

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
2,074
640
The ML is a great band and one of my favorites. My wife wears her SBSS ML every day and rarely changes it out. I've only seen her put on the sport band when we go to the beach. She loves her ML.

How often does she clean the ML? Does she remove it completely to clean it or does she just take off the loop side and leave it attached at one end?
 

Fuchal

macrumors 68030
Sep 30, 2003
2,613
1,136
I wear my gold ML all the time except when at the gym. I've never had to clean it, it still looks like new other than a few scratches.
 

BSG75

macrumors 6502
Jul 21, 2015
356
242
Tennessee
How often does she clean the ML? Does she remove it completely to clean it or does she just take off the loop side and leave it attached at one end?

She doesn't really have to clean it very often. When she does, she leaves it attached to the watch. The only time it really comes off is for a beach trip.
 
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